Software/Embedded Control Engineer

problem-solving approach to complex engineering challenges. Experience in scientific systems, vacuum technology, or high-precision equipment is beneficial, but attitude and capability matter most. The role: Our systems combine vacuum hardware, RF and DC power, gas handling and motion. The control system is what makes all of that safe, repeatable and easy for a researcher to use. You’ll own the PLC, HMI and PC software across our product range, working closely with test and build engineers on real hardware. What you’ll do:

• Safety and Workload:
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements. ·
• Ensure systems operate safely through the implementation of appropriate hardware and software interlocks.
• Plan own workloads effectively to meet output deadlines.
• Be a key part of a positive, problem-solving team.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Maintain strong customer relationships - internal and external.
• Prepare technical documentation.
• Collaborate with internal specialists to create documentation required
• Product Development & Continuous Improvement:
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment, processes, and workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and to the required standards.
• Conduct validation testing of new products in line with project requirements.
• Support activities to ensure market readiness of new products from concept through to implementation.
• Achieve a level of product knowledge as appropriate.
• Testing & Technical Support:
• Design, develop and maintain software on high-value scientific research systems, ensuring quality control across all activities.
• Perform preliminary testing and support Test and Installation Engineers during factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) in factory and at customer site.
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues on control systems, including both hardware and software, in-house and at customer sites where required
• Use software version control and software design verification processes.
• Maintain tooling / equipment.
• Organise and maintain accurate engineering records, documentation and procedures to ensure traceability of software and hardware changes.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business strategy. What you’ll bring: Essential:

• Discipline & Consistency:
• A structured and methodical approach to work, with the discipline to follow, and continuously improve technical processes, documentation, and standards-particularly in testing and validation activities.
• Focus & Prioritisation:
• Strong ability to maintain focus on priorities while managing competing demands, ensuring effort is directed where it delivers the greatest business and customer value.

• Ability to work to deadlines in a positive, flexible and pro-active way, placing a high priority on understanding and delivering on client needs.
• Communication:
• Effective communication skillsets including ability to write clear and concise documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge constructively while maintaining positive relationships. ·
• Technical Proficiency:
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of electronics and electrical interfaces, including analogue and digital systems.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues. Positive problem-solving mentality with willingness to challenge wider team to find appropriate solutions.
• Experience in a range of software/systems o Experience with Embedded control systems/ Microcontroller
• Experience with a combination of C/C++. Python, C#, Ladder Logic, Structured Text and software development.
• Developing graphical user interfaces (GUI/HMI applications).
• Willingness to travel domestically and abroad:

Desirable:

• 4 years relevant industrial experience.
• PVD / CVD technology.
• Knowledge of Vacuum systems and semiconductor or related industries.
• Experience of working as a Software & Electronics or Embedded Control Engineer.
• Experience of working with scientific equipment control systems or bespoke industrial automation systems.
• Ability to design functional electronic circuit boards.
• Analogue and digital circuit design experience.
• Experience with software version control systems.
• Knowledge of software design verification and validation methodologies.
• Practical knowledge of electronics and electrical systems.
• Experience with Microcontroller systems and PCB design and implementation.
• Strong software development experience in C/C++, particularly embedded C/C++.
• Compliance with MISRA C coding standards and familiarity with IEC 61508 functional safety.
• Practical implementation of PID loops and DSP filters for motion, temperature, and motor control.
• Experience developing software for microcontrollers / embedded systems. · Understanding of embedded software architecture, including:
• state machines
• task scheduling
• interrupt-driven systems
• communications stacks
• fault handling
• watchdogs
• bootloaders/firmware updates
• Experience using Git and modern software development practices.
• Experience with automated testing and debugging of embedded software.

Your first three months:

• Get up to speed on our standard PLC and PC software across the product range.
• Deliver a defined change or feature through test to release.

How we hire A first interview with the hiring manager, then a second interview on site in Knutsford, with a tour and a short practical controls exercise on our equipment. What we offer: £40,000-£50,000 depending on experience. Monday to Friday, with flexitime and an early finish on Fridays.

• Flexitime and an early finish on Fridays
• 25 days’ holiday, plus a day off for your birthday
• Salary sacrifice pension: 5% employee and 5% company, with the NI saving passed on to you (eligible after 3 months)
• Life assurance from day one
• Share Incentive Plan (eligible once your probation is complete)
• Bupa cover (dental, vision, virtual GP and more)
• Performance-related bonus
• Access to e-learning platforms
• Drinks and healthy snacks provided
• 2 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days a year

Knutsford, Cheshire · on site · Mon-Fri, early finish Friday · £40,000-£50,000 depending on experience · employed by Moorfield Nanotechnology Ltd About Moorfield: Moorfield Nanotechnology is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of thin-film deposition and etch systems used in academic and industrial R&D environments. We specialise in benchtop to mid-scale platforms that prioritise performance, usability, and long-term value for customers working in fast-moving research and scale-up settings. Our customers rely on Moorfield systems to produce repeatable, defensible results across applications such as semiconductor research, energy storage, photovoltaics, and advanced materials development. We support this with strong in-house engineering, applications expertise, and a practical, customer-focused mindset. As the business evolves, we are strengthening our product focus, operational discipline, and technical depth. We value people who take ownership, work well across teams, and bring a